GET TO KNOW ME
Hi, I am Karina, and I warmly welcome you here at UniverseSoul -
a space for deep healing and integration.
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I grew up in Latvia, a small country by the Baltic Sea, shaped by its unique history, culture, and the experiences of living in a post-Soviet society. As a child I went through a number of adversities such as domestic violence, a crumbling economy, and drug use. During my younger years, I also wrestled with my sexual orientation and identity, spending nearly two decades in the closet, full of shame and self-hatred. Nevertheless, I always knew that I wanted to help people change their lives for the better. Luckily, an opportunity to move to London presented itself and I enrolled at a university to study psychology. This unique opportunity allowed me to explore the cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal aspects of human behavioral processes from a professional perspective, as well as to draw parallels with my own life experiences.
I genuinely care about my clients and help them explore the answers they are seeking, drawing on my experience working in institutional mental health, forensic and academic contexts. Throughout my career, I have supported people with many complex problems such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, abuse, stress, LGBTQIA+ issues, among others. I have seen how deeply vulnerable and alone someone can feel, and I have learned what it takes to offer the care and support they truly need.
Research is another passion of mine. In my empirical work, I explore the multifaceted aspects of childhood trauma, maternal mental health, personality disorders, and violence. I also examine how different cultures shape our understanding of these issues. One of the main aims of such investigation is to reduce global inequalities in obtaining effective psychological support.
I deeply value ethical practice and ongoing self-reflection. To remain grounded and present, I consistently participate in supervision, personal therapy and continuing professional development.
Dr Karina Benza | Psychologist & Speaker | Founder of UniverseSoul
CPsychol, PhD, MSc, PgDip, BSc (Hons)
Member of the British Psychological Society (BPS)
